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New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation
PRESS RELEASE
* AUDUBON NEW YORK * CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT *
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES OF NEW YORK *
October 30, 2009
New York’s U.S. Senators, Representatives Advance Great
Lakes Restoration & Economic Recovery
US Invests $475 Million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
(ALBANY, NY)-President Obama is
poised to sign into law a bill that will nearly double
funding to restore lakes Erie and Ontario and the other
Great Lakes, following a vote by the U.S. Congress
today.
“Today’s action is a gigantic step forward in the effort
to restore lakes Erie and Ontario and revive New York’s
economy, particularly in the Great Lakes Basin,” said
Katherine Nadeau, Environmental Advocates of New York’s
Water & Natural Resources Program Associate. “We applaud
Congress—especially New York’s congressional
delegation—for passing this bill. We look forward to
President Obama signing this into law so that we can get
to work protecting our drinking water, economy and way
of life.”
New York’s Congressional leaders, including Senators
Schumer and Gillibrand and Representatives Slaughter,
Higgins, Maffei, Arcuri, Massa and Lee were essential in
getting the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative fully
funded at $475 million. President Obama proposed the
Initiative in his inaugural budget in the spring.
“This is major funding increase is a big win for the
environment and the economy,” said Sean Mahar, Director
of Government Relations for Audubon New York. “We
applaud the entire New York Congressional Delegation for
supporting this important initiative and ensuring that
the health of the Lakes will improve for the benefit the
people, businesses and communities of New York.”
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will help clean
up contaminated sediments which threaten public health;
prevent the introduction of invasive species that cost
the region at least $200 million per year in damages and
control costs; prevent run-off and other pollution
responsible for beach closures; and restore habitat that
is the foundation of the region’s outdoor recreational
economy.
“This is a great day for the Great Lakes,” said Dereth
Glance, Executive Program Director for Citizens Campaign
for the Environment. “Fully funding the President's
request for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a
solid down payment and will reap economic and ecosystem
benefits basin-wide."
The Brookings Institution found that the region will
gain at least $2 in economic benefit for every $1
invested in Great Lakes restoration.
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Audubon New York, the 50,000 member State program of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitats that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE)
is an 80,000 member non-profit, non-partisan
advocacy organization that works to empower
communities and advocate solutions that protect
public health and the natural environment.
Environmental Advocates of New York’s mission is to protect the state’s air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. The tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.